Buffalo Bills rookie standout defensive tackle Marcell Dareus teamed with zero calorie Pepsi MAX and Tops Friendly Markets in West Seneca, NY to celebrate the new Pepsi MAX NFL Rookie cans on November 15th.
Dareus joins nine other NFL rookies from across the league featured on their own Pepsi MAX can.
The 2011 NFL Rookie Pepsi MAX cans will feature Marcell Dareus, Buffalo Bills, Terrell McClain, Carolina Panthers, Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals, Greg Little, Cleveland Browns, DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys, Titus Young, Detroit Lions, Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings, Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots, Danny Watkins, Philadelphia Eagles and Austin Pettis, St. Louis Rams.
Dareus spent over two hours at the Tops in West Seneca greeting a long line of fans snaked in and around the cash register areas, taking pictures and signing autographs.
"The Bills fans are always going to be there," said Dareus. "They are great fans. I knew they were going to come out and have a great turnout. I love the Bills fans. They make me feel like I am home."
Dareus was surprised and excited that his image was on the Pepsi Max cans.
"I was a little overwhelmed that they wanted to put my likeness on a can," said Dareus. "When they told me about it, I was excited about the whole idea."
Big number 99 said that he expects a little ribbing from his teammates.
"Kyle Williams is always harassing me and messing with me, Dwan Edwards, the vets are going to give me a little grief," said Dareus. "Other than that, they are going to be happy for me."
One thing that is no joke is Dareus' play on the field.
Dareus, the Bills' first-round pick and third overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, has been the recipient of numerous double-team blocking throughout the season, and has still managed to make a strong impact on his team and in the NFL. He currently leads the Bills in sacks (3.5), and has a total of 26 tackles (19 solo) which lead Bills defensive lineman. In addition, Dareus has two passes deflected and a fumble recovery. He was also named the NFL's Pepsi Rookie of the Week for week #8.
The Pepsi MAX Rookie can series is part of the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week/Year program, which allows fans to vote each week and at the end of the season for the best rookie in the league at pepsimax.com/facebook or NFL.com/rookie.
Pepsi is the official soft drink of the NFL. The NFL Rookie cans of Pepsi MAX are currently available for a limited time at participating retailers including Tops Friendly Markets.
